Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play in Portugal vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Match?
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play for Portugal against Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 today? Get all the specifics on the highly anticipated knockout match, including kick-off time, venue, streaming options.
All eyes are on Toronto Stadium today as two European heavyweights, Portugal and Croatia, collide in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter. The marquee matchup, slated for 7:00 PM ET (4:30 AM IST) on Thursday, July 2, 2026, promises a captivating battle with a coveted spot in the Round of 16 on the line. At the heart of the narrative is the expected presence of footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 years old, is set to lead the Portuguese attack. Lionel Messi Reacts During Argentina's Metal Detector Security Check in Miami Ahead Of FIFA World Cup 2026 Match (Watch Video).
Ronaldo, born on February 5, 1985, is competing in a record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup and has already made history by scoring in all six tournaments, including two goals in Portugal's 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan in the group stage. This tournament is widely reported to be his last.
The Battle of Veterans: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Luka Modric
The encounter takes on added significance as it pits Ronaldo against his former Real Madrid teammate and Croatian talisman, Luka Modrić. At 40 years old, Modrić (born on September 9, 1985) is also potentially playing in his final World Cup, making this a poignant clash between two of football's enduring legends. Both captains will be desperate to extend their World Cup journey, with the single-elimination format adding immense pressure.
Road to the Round of 32
Portugal navigated a competitive Group K, finishing second with five points. They secured a vital 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan but were held to draws by DR Congo (1-1) and Colombia (0-0). Roberto Martínez's side displayed strong defensive organization, conceding just one goal in the group stage.
Croatia, under coach Zlatko Dalić, progressed as runners-up from Group L with six points. The Vatreni showed their renowned resilience, recovering from an opening 4-2 defeat to England to secure crucial wins against Panama (1-0) and Ghana (2-1). Congo DR Coach Sebastien Desabre Left Stunned After Receiving News of Father’s Death Mid-FIFA World Cup 2026 Press Conference (Watch Video).
Head-to-Head Record
The historical record slightly favors Portugal, though competitive matches have often been tight affairs.
| Encounter Type | Portugal Wins | Draws | Croatia Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Meetings (10) | 7 | 2 | 1 |
| Competitive (6) | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Croatia's sole victory against Portugal came in a 2-1 friendly in June 2024. Portugal has never lost a competitive fixture against Croatia.
The atmosphere in Toronto is expected to be electric, with this match marking the city's final World Cup game of the tournament. Resale tickets have reportedly soared to thousands of dollars, reflecting the immense demand to witness these legends in action. As two giants of European football prepare to lock horns, fans anticipate a tactical masterclass and a dramatic knockout stage spectacle.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2026 03:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
